Packing a Healthy Meal

Following tips from Shirley Blakely, Ph.D., R.D., FDA Senior Nutrition Policy Advisor should help make packing healthy meals and snacks for work or school easy. Ms. Blakely shares easy to follow advice:

• as a parent, practice healthful eating yourself
• involve your children in food shopping and meal preparation
• enjoy at least one meal a day with your family – especially your children
• don't forget that nutritious food is just one ingredient for good health. Regular exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, so after you refuel "Let's Move!"

Include ready-to-eat fruit and vegetables with low-fat meat and /or cheese choices on whole grain bread. Fresh fruit or vegetables may give the meal a nice crunch or a soft texture – variety in color, texture and flavor will help satisfy our taste buds and be pretty. A thermos of vegetable soup or chili with whole grain crackers, low-fat cheese and ready-to-eat fruit or fruit juice to drink may warm up a cold day. Remember to pack the napkin, spoon, straw or other important utensils. If packing for your child, this might be a great time to remind them just how much you care. A note of encouragement, a smiley face, star or other sign that lets your loved one know you care may be just the extra inspiration needed to brighten their afternoon.

To follow Ms. Blakey's nutrition blog or for other ideas visit: http://www.letsmove.gov

Information adapted from http://www.letsmove.govand www.mypyramid.gov